as in theory
an idea that is the starting point for making a case or conducting an investigation
working on the hypothesis that teenagers function better in the late morning, some high schools are starting classes later
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hypothesis
For within weeks of the book’s publication, Hopkins and two other researchers confounded mathematicians by announcing that Snaith’s warning to readers had been all too apt: The doomsday hypothesis was true.
—
Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 5 May 2025
The hypothesis lined up with previous speculation that the area had undergone lithospheric foundering, which happens when Earth’s outermost layer sinks into the lower layer of the mantle.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
That’s the hypothesis: people first, systems second.
—Dan Gardner, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
In the light of their findings, the researchers have two hypotheses that might explain Vesta's true identity.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 5 May 2025
The hypothesis lined up with previous speculation that the area had undergone lithospheric foundering, which happens when Earth’s outermost layer sinks into the lower layer of the mantle.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
That’s the hypothesis: people first, systems second.
—Dan Gardner, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
In the light of their findings, the researchers have two hypotheses that might explain Vesta's true identity.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothesis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothesis
Noun
-
Russian sources, however, have suggested a third theory: that Portnov might have held compromising material on current Ukrainian officials.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
-
But as hardcore Swift fans know, popular theories don’t always play out in real life.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
Another example is Amazon, perhaps one of the best examples of a company that has largely diversified from its original core thesis.—
Dr. Sai Balasubramanian,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
-
The bullish thesis on Nvidia remains in place ahead of earnings, but analysts have questions about the company’s path forward.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
Taking on a new mortgage at a much higher rate may be a difficult proposition for many.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
-
Welcoming a human-vacuum relationship into the family is a tougher proposition.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothesis. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share